Q loves to subvert things. Often, without a cause. He believes wholeheartedly in shock for shock’s sake, as an artistic tool. He is unabashed about this, matter-of-fact about making a mission of his metaphors. The adman who went by the name of Qaushiq Mukherjee arrived on the international and Indian alternative cinema scene with films like Bishh and the provocative and acclaimed Gandu, which, unsurprisingly, failed to get a commercial release in the country. Unfazed, he formed Gandu Circus, an indie rock band against censorship along the lines of what the film stood for. Now he’s hoping to make a graphic novel of it, tentatively titled Gandu Goppo. His last feature, Tasher Desh, an adaptation of a Rabindranath Tagore play, is both a tribute to and a subversion of the original play and has won critical appreciation at home and abroad. More bafflingly, one of his documentaries Love In India, on repressed Indian sexuality and, among other things, a quest for the perfect orgasm, won a National Award for ‘Family Welfare’. Q remains unfazed, if a little amused. He sees this as another redefinition, an idea he seems to enjoy. In fact, he redefines himself quite a few times in this interview, on his life and work so far, providing incisive and compelling arguments for each time.